The TDI badge stands for Turbocharged Direct Injection, and is the badge fitted to turbodiesel versions of the golf. These engines are well known for their dependability as well as producing a great balance between performance and fuel efficiency.

What is the most popular Golf?

The Golf Match is the most popular version of the Golf. It's a mid-to-high specification version of the Mk7 golf and came equipped with adaptive cruise control, touchscreen sat nav and air con as standard. Of the Mk8, the Life is the most readily available on the used market. Though it's the entry-level model, it still comes with alloy wheels, front/rear parking sensors, sat nav and climate control.

Is the Volkswagen Golf good for long-distance driving?

Yes, the Golf is a very comfortable motorway cruiser. The interior is also spacious enough to accommodate passengers on a longer trip.

Is the Golf a good family car?

Yes. Volkswagen has always designed the Golf to be a family car. For a long time now, the Golf has only been available in a five-door layout, and it's very straightforward to fit an ISOFIX child seat in the back. Even performance versions such as the GTI and R retain excellent practicality but add a serious dose of performance.

Does the Volkswagen Golf come as a hybrid or electric version?

Yes, you can buy the Golf as an e-Golf, which is a fully electric car. This has lots of advantages, such as much lower running costs. There is also a plug-in hybrid version that allows for up to 42 miles of electric driving before switching to petrol/electric hybrid power to allow you to continue your journey.

Is there a four-wheel drive version of the Golf?

Yes, the very popular Golf R hot hatchback (and estate) comes with four-wheel drive as standard. The other option is the relatively rare Alltrack, which is an estate model.

5,445 Used Volkswagen Golf cars for sale

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£14,695

Finance available £306 pm

2L
75.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

MCautosales

02879440626 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 - 1.5 TSI Life 5dr

Low Mileage

£17,885

Finance available £347 pm

1.5L
14.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Invicta Northampton

01604343482 *

Volkswagen Golf2022 (22) - R MK8 2.0 TSI 4Motion 320PS DSG 5 Dr

£30,991

2L
34.0K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Peter Cooper Volkswagen Hedge End

01489661105 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.4 TSI SE Nav Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Low Mileage

£12,490

Finance available £257 pm

1.4L
37.1K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Adam Blackman Ltd

01732927585 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.6 TDI BlueMotion Tech Match Edition DSG Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£8,480

Finance available £167 pm

1.6L
89.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Vision Motors Leeds

01138875266 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 1.0 TSI SE Hatchback 5dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (110 bhp)

£10,000

Finance available £201 pm

1L
62.7K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Hammond Cars Norwich

01603937224 *

4.5/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 2.0 TDI R-Line 5dr DSG

£21,450

Finance available £420 pm

2L
91.0K
Miles
Diesel
Semi Auto
Hatchback

DG Cars & 4X4 LTD

02890023125 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 - 1.6 TDI SE 5dr DSG

£12,995

Finance available £268 pm

1.6L
76.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

SMV MOTORS

02892791555 *

Volkswagen Golf2017 (17) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr

Low Mileage

£10,450

Finance available £211 pm

1.4L
64.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Cleveland Car Sales

01482296016 *

Volkswagen Golf2016 (66) - 1.4 TSI 125 Match Edition 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

1.4L
62.0K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Hatchback

MKS Car Sales Sinclair Street

01382213497 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2019 - 1.5 TSI EVO 150 SE [Nav] 5dr DSG

Low Mileage

£15,795

Finance available £331 pm

1.5L
41.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Crossroads Motors Challock

01233223700 *

4.1/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2016 (16) - 2.0 TDI GTD 5dr

£10,995

Finance available £223 pm

2L
98.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Quality Cars Direct LTD

01792001603 *

Volkswagen Golf2012 - 2.0 Golf GT TDI 140 Semi-Auto 5dr

£5,150

Finance available £93 pm

2L
105.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Grays of Holbeach

01406430115 *

Volkswagen Golf2021 (21) - 2.0 TDI GTD Hatchback 5dr Diesel DSG Euro 6 (s/s) (200 ps)

£24,949

Finance available £492 pm

2L
39.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

A1 Ortos

01613887641 *

0/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (74) - 2.0 TSI 265 GTI 5dr DSG

£35,995

Finance available £719 pm

2L
8.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

L A MOTORS

07393778079 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - GT 1.5 TSI EVO 150PS 6-speed Manual 3 Door Manual

Low Mileage

£15,176

1.5L
22.0K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Mon Motors Volkswagen Bristol

01172331336 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2024 (62) - 1.2 TSi Bluemotion Auto 5-Door

Reduced

£7,999

Finance available £156 pm

1.2L
12.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Nippon Motors

01164646509 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - TSI R 5-Door

Low Mileage

£24,995

Finance available £493 pm

2L
32.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Newmachar Motors Ltd

01651260106 *

Volkswagen Golf2018 - 2018 Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI GT Diesel Manual 5 Door Hatchback Grey

Reduced

£7,995

Finance available £156 pm

1.6L
102.0K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Swans Motor Group LTD

01603516692 *

4.6/5 Stars

Volkswagen Golf2018 (18) - 2.0 TSI 310 R 5dr 4MOTION

Reduced

£23,995

Finance available £472 pm

2L
37.9K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Hatchback

Automotive Addiction

01952446068 *

5/5 Stars

Why buy a used Volkswagen Golf?

If you're in the market for a practical, comfortable and dependable car with the added benefit of timeless style and design, then a used Volkswagen Golf is a great choice. The Golf is also available with petrol, diesel, hybrid and even full electric engines.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

Pros

Efficient engines
Impressively refined
High-quality interior

Cons

Rivals are more involving to drive
Digitalised interior is a bit fiddly
Plain styling

Read our Volkswagen Golf review

Volkswagen Golf video review

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Different generations of used Volkswagen Golf

The Volkswagen Golf has been on the roads since 1974, with the UK being one of its best markets. Over the course of eight generations, Volkswagen has kept the Golf stylish and relevant. The newest models remain highly efficient and thoroughly enjoyable to drive.

Eighth Generation (2020 to 2016)

The most recent generation has been completely redesigned inside and out. The style is more striking, with interior features similar to those of the all-electric ID.4. Enhanced safety systems have also been added for a more protected drive.

VW released all-electric models and a plug-in hybrid for increased efficiency, further adding to the overall appeal of the latest generation Golf.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1 - 2
MPG:: 34 - 941
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 10.7 seconds
Boot space:: 273 - 611 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.5 TSI 204 Style eHybrid 5dr DSG
Cheapest
1.0 TSI Life 5dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 333 R 4Motion 5dr DSG

Seventh Generation (2013 to 2020)

The MQB platform created a Golf that was 100 kg lighter than earlier models, meaning better performance, handling and fuel efficiency. Safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking was added. As with previous generations, VW continued working on ways to make the Golf more efficient, with improvements year over year.

In 2013, the Golf R hit the scene and brought class-leading hot hatch performance. Such was the popularity of the Mk7 Golf, over six million were built and sold worldwide.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Full Electric / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 2
MPG:: 34 - 166
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 12.9 seconds
Boot space:: 272 - 605 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
99kW e-Golf 35kWh 5dr Auto
Cheapest
1.2 TSI S 3dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI 310 R 3dr 4MOTION DSG

Sixth Generation (2009 to 2016)

It didn't take long before drivers realised how amazing this generation was, with the 2009 model winning the World Car of the Year award. Despite its sharp style, this generation didn't go on many years before another design took over, making them even more desirable on the used market.

Most notably, this generation receives a lot of praise for its safety and the high-tech features included.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.2 - 2
MPG:: 33 - 74
Acceleration:: 5.5 - 13.9 seconds
Boot space:: 250 - 505 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
1.2 TSI S 2dr
Cheapest
1.4 S 3dr
Fastest
2.0 TSI R 4MOTION 5dr DSG

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

* Telephone numbers starting with 084X or 087X will cost you up to 13p per minute plus your telephone company's access charge. Calls to other telephone numbers will only cost your phone company's access charge.

Used Volkswagen Golf snapshot review

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